51 episodes
Ashley James Talks Breastfeeding, Mum-Shaming, and Confidence – A Boobingit Podcast Episode
13/03/2025 | 17 mins.In a special episode of the Boobingit Podcast, we sit down with Ashley James—TV presenter, broadcaster, DJ, and mum-of-two—to talk about the judgment parents face when it comes to feeding choices and why it’s time for change.
Ashley first rose to fame on Made in Chelsea and has since built a successful career in broadcasting, regularly appearing on shows like This Morning and Good Morning Britain. As a passionate advocate for body confidence, mental health, and parenting rights, she has used her platform to speak openly about the realities of motherhood—including the highs and lows of breastfeeding.
In this episode, we dive into the findings of a new report from MAM, which surveyed 1,000 British parents. The report found that 63% of parents face intense criticism in early parenthood – 17% for their baby’s public behaviour, 16% for feeding choices, and a growing 15% for using a dummy.
Ashley shares her own experience with mum-shaming and online backlash, and we discuss why feeding choices—especially breastfeeding—continue to be such a divisive topic.
We also explore:
The realities of breastfeeding in the public eye and how Ashley has handled criticism.
The role of education and public awareness in shifting societal attitudes.
How parents can feel more confident in their feeding choices despite outside opinions.
Ashley’s advice for new mums facing judgment—whether online or in real life.
Within this episode, host Ruth talks about The Nourish Consultancy, where she helps businesses and organisations create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Want to find out more? Visit https://www.thenourishconsultancy.com/- In this special Christmas episode of the boobingit podcast, Kathryn Stagg IBCLC discusses alcohol intake whilst breastfeeding.
With so much mixed messaging around breastfeeding and alcohol, Kathryn helps set the record straight. She provides us with the most up-to-date research on alcohol and breastfeeding, dispelling myths and out-dated information along the way.
During this episode we also touch on important topics including mastitis and bedsharing. Plus, Kathryn shares her advice on dealing with other people's judgements during the festive season!
About Kathryn Stagg
Kathryn Stagg is a lactation consultant, holistic sleep coach, published author and mum of four boys.
Kathryn is a twins specialist and set up the charitable organisation Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK.
Our Podcast Sponsors – Ardo UK
This episode is brought to by Ardo UK and their brand-new Melia Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump—a game-changer for busy breastfeeding parents. - In this episode we speak with Lucy Ruddle IBCLC about breastfeeding grief, and what that can look like for different people.
As a Lactation Consultant, speaker and author, Lucy has helped thousands of families breastfeed successfully. In this episode Lucy talks to us about what breastfeeding grief is, and how Professor Amy Brown helped open up the conversation about this difficult and complex subject matter. Lucy openly discusses her own personal experience with breastfeeding grief and how it made her a more compassionate breastfeeding supporter.
During the conversation we explore the idea of generational breastfeeding grief and how it can impact families and idea systems around breastfeeding. Lucy finishes by telling us when her new book 'Understanding Breastfeeding Grief' will be published.
Our podcast sponsors - Boobie Jewels
We are delighted to let you know the sponsors of this special boobingit episode are Boobie Jewels, the premier breast milk jewellery brand.
If you are looking for a unique and sentimental way to commemorate your breastfeeding experience then look no further than Boobie Jewels. Each piece is custom-made using your very own breast milk, creating a beautiful keepsake that captures the bond between you and your baby. From stunning rings to elegant necklaces, Boobie Jewels offers a range of designs to suit your style.
As a special offer for our listeners, use the code BOOBINGIT10 at checkout to get 10% off your order. Visit boobiejewels.co.uk and create your timeless keepsake today! - We're kicking off the 2024 series of the boobingit podcast looking at how we can create a breastfeeding legacy. Our special guest is mama of two and business owner Petrina O'Halloran.
Petrina lives in County Clare, Ireland with her husband and two daughters. Her breastfeeding experiences inspired her to start her own business Mamas Boobie Box in 2021, which seen her create special breastfeeding gift boxes for new mothers. From there she has expanded her range of products as well as become a well-known breastfeeding advocate - both online and offline. As well as being a boobingit contributor she regularly appears on radio to talk about breastfeeding matters.
In this episode Petrina talks to use about how we can preserve a breastfeeding legacy for future generations. We look at the power of storytelling as a way of sharing our breastfeeding experiences. Petrina recalls how it was a conversation with her grandmother, who breastfed all 13 of her children, which inspired her to create her latest product, the Boobie Journal.
Petrina also takes us through how breastfeeding rates in Ireland have changed over the years and the impact this has had on families and society. We finish by looking at how the loss of generational breastfeeding knowledge requires a greater need for breastfeeding education and support in Ireland and beyond. - In this Christmas special, we speak with Dr Afif El-Khuffash about everything you need to know about drinking alcohol whilst breastfeeding – during the festive season and beyond.
Afif is a neonatologist, paediatrician and a lactation consultant working at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He co-hosts the The Baby Tribe podcast and is also a talented artist whose paintings depict the wide range of emotion, experiences, struggles and elation that come with the breastfeeding journey.
In this episode we speak about safe drinking practices whilst breastfeeding – whether that’s enjoying one drink or more. We uncover the myths surrounding drinking alcohol whilst breastfeeding and how outdated information can be damaging to the breastfeeding relationship.
Afif provides us with the most up-to-date information and guidance around drinking alcohol while breastfeeding so that you can make an informed choice. He finishes by sharing helpful advice on how to prepare and plan for a night out socialising and being away from your breastfed baby.
Our podcast sponsors – il Tutto
From Rocking Chairs and Glider Chairs to Recliner Chairs and Electric Recliner Chairs, iL Tutto have a range of chairs available in stylish colours and premium fabrics. Their nursrey chairs are built to last and to be cherished in the family home for many years.
With their swivel bases and gliding features, arm rests to the right height to support your baby, and high and cushioned backrests, their range will certainly help you soothe your tired body during those long nights with your new baby.
Until the 25th of December 2023 il Tutto is giving our audience a massive 20% their premium, comfy Nursery chairs, using code BOOB20 at iltutto.co.uk.
More Kids & Family podcasts
Trending Kids & Family podcasts
About The boobingit podcast
Hello and welcome to the boobingit podcast where we lift the lid on breastfeeding and tell you what it’s really like!
Your host is Ruth, boobingit.com founder and mama of two. She'll be chatting to people about their breastfeeding journey in the hopes their stories will help and inspire you. From time-to-time, she'll also have a special guest on to talk about an important breastfeeding topic.
We're always on the look-out for new guests and topics to explore so if you have any suggestions please get in touch! We'd love to hear from you.
Podcast websiteListen to The boobingit podcast, Bump with Steph & Laura and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app
- Stations and podcasts to bookmark
- Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Supports Carplay & Android Auto
- Many other app features
Get the free radio.net app
- Stations and podcasts to bookmark
- Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Supports Carplay & Android Auto
- Many other app features


The boobingit podcast
Scan code,
download the app,
start listening.
download the app,
start listening.





























